A fantastic conversion of an old school in Norwich has been quietly going on - with eight plush new apartments almost ready to rent.
It is a sad fact that many beautiful Victorian buildings, such as old schools, are now defunct and this one on Hall Road has been gathering dust for some time.
It was in 1897 when it was built as a boys' school in Lakenham, Norwich before closing in the early 1950s and was then used by the county council.
Interestingly it still boasts remnants of what would have been a massive playground at the rear - currently being made into an area for parking and for some new houses.
On the brick walls there is also some graffiti with children's names carved.
The eight flats are available to rent from £875-£1,100 per calendar month with Steggles Larner.
Finishing touches such as blinds are currently being added but the flats offer wonderful high ceilings and large refitted windows.
The largest has three bedrooms and the others, two, with open plan living/kitchen areas.
Everything has been finished off really beautifully; the kitchens are top notch and the walls have been painted in contemporary grey so they look stunning. These properties will also be really economical to live in because the school building has solar thermal panels so there's no need for boilers and you should see your bills vastly reduced.
• A SCHOOL BUILT THANKS TO A CHURCH BENEFACTOR
St. Marks Senior Boys School on Hall Road, Norwich was built in 1897 at a cost of £3,000 and its main benefactor and instigator was the vicar of St Marks, the Reverend Prior, or sometimes spelt Pryor, Whalley. Reverend Whalley contributed £1,000 to the building fund and also provided the entire cost of the school furnishings of some £130.
He apparently died a poor man! Many of the pupils went on to war and there are plaques dedicated to some of them in the local church. The school closed in the early 1950s and was used by Norfolk Social Services.
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